Sunlight-readable screen
Pixel Qi’s impressive LCD display technology may not be available built into any netbooks, e-readers or tablets just yet, but the company is now offering a DIY upgrade kit for adventurous modders. For $275 (around £215, including VAT), you can purchase a 10.1in display that the manufacturer says has been tested and is compatible with the Lenovo IdeaPad s10-2 and Samsung N130 netbooks.
How it works
The magic behind Pixel Qi’s display is that it can be run in one of two modes. The first works in a similar way to existing LCD screens, with a backlight making the screen appear similar to any other LCD. The reflective mode, used outdoors, disables the backlight and allows the screen to work in a mode that is similar to e-ink displays in e-readers, and will only use power when the display changes, while maintaining the quick response time of an LCD display. On top of this, the reflective mode should prove to be much more readable in direct sunlight while reducing screen power consumption by up-to 80 percent.
The manufacturer claims that installation of the display is a “5 minute operation” and should be fairly straightforward. Pixel Qi also suggests that the display is likely to be compatible with other netbooks, though none have been certified, as of yet. The upgrade is very likely to void the netbooks warranty though, so don’t try and run to the manufacturer if something goes wrong during the upgrade.
Pixel Qi’s tech looks good and we’re excited to see what effect it will have on the netbook market if and when it’s picked up by a major manufacturer. At around two-thirds of the cost of a netbook, though, this upgrade is strictly for those who want the benefit of the new tech now and have money to burn. If you fit that description, Maker Shed is offering the display now and will ship to the UK. At the time of writing, the screens have already sold out, but pre-orders are still available.
